The British Horse Society (BHS) is warning the public not to feed horses, after cases of equine illness, injury and deaths during the coronavirus lockdown, while the countryside code has been updated.
H&H has reported on a number of such cases, in which the actions of people out for their allotted exercise has had serious and even fatal consequences.
“The BHS is urging members of the public not to feed horses in fields as this can cause serious illness and be potentially life-threatening,” said BHS director of welfare Alan Hiscox.
“We believe many people act with no malicious intent and are simply unaware of the risks that certain foods or grass cuttings can pose to horses. We encourage horse owners to download signs the BHS has produced warning the public not to feed their horses.
“The greater the awareness of the issue, the more likely people are to change their behaviour in future.”
The BHS is offering the following advice to the public:
Although feeding horses may seem harmless, it is important not to, for the following reasons:
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Any type of food, grass cuttings or any other plants can cause horses to become extremely unwell or even kill them
Fighting between horses could break out and cause an injury
Horses may mistake your fingers for food and accidentally nip them
If you cross land with a right of way where horses are kept, the above points will be applicable but also ensure you:
Leave gates and property as you find them
Keep to the right of way
Take your litter home
Keep your dog on a lead and bag and bin your dog’s mess
Give horses lots of a space and avoid coming between mothers and their young
If you see a horse in distress, alert the nearest farm/yard or check for a sign with the owner’s details on it
Visitors are asked to respect other people and protect the natural environment while they enjoy the outdoors, with advice including “leave no trace of your visit” and “leave gates and property as you find them”.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
